From staff reports
Calling all of Beaufort’s Children!
It’s 1780 all over again at the Beaufort Arsenal on Children’s Day at the Museum on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be cannon firings at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., as the Beaufort History Museum is hosting a Revolutionary War Living History Reenactment on a closed down Craven Street in front of the Arsenal.
The public is invited to enjoy the reenactment, and children are needed to attend and participate in the re-creation of the Battle of Port Royal Island.
Children will be divided into Patriots and Loyalists to fight in this re-creation of the Battle of Port Royal Island. At least 50 children are needed, per battle.
Authentic time period hats and child safe musket replicas will be provided. Three battles will be fought: 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. starting with the firing of the cannon. Please make sure your children are on time in order to participate.
This day is funded through a grant from the 250th anniversary of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250).
Children will learn drills; period medical practices and the fight against historical epidemics; how to carry and load a musket (using black sugar and gummy balls); and a cannon and ballistics lesson in which Warrior Brigade Commander Tom Oblak (retired U.S. Army Infantry Officer) and historian Robert Ryals will lead an interactive session on Revolutionary War ballistics.
Soldiers can handle a real cannon and test their aim with a “hand cannon,” all child friendly and safe. No real ammo will be used.
The mission of Beaufort History Museum is to increase and diffuse knowledge by the maintenance of a museum that displays, educates and enlightens the public on the art, science, history and industry of this culturally rich area and by the preservation and protection of artifacts that document that heritage.
The Beaufort Arsenal and Beaufort History Museum are located at 713 Craven Street in Beaufort.
